Has anyone driven from California to Alaska?
 

hi there,

my husband is in the army and we just got orders for ft. wainwright, alaska. we are thinking of moving all of our own stuff instead of having the army do it for us. does anyone know of possible routes we could take and how long the trip would be? thanks so much in advance!

From California, the most logical route would be north on I-5 into Canada, north on CA-1 to CA-16 at Prince George,west on C-16 to BC-37. Then, north on BC-37 to the Alaskan Hwy. West on the Alaskan Hwy to Tok then northwest on A-2 to Fairbanks.

I drove almost all of that route last summer and can only warn you - be prepared to be seriously awed. The scenery is fantastic from the time you reach the Pacific Northwest to the time you reach Fairbanks.

I can't estimate the time it would take you because I was on vacation and not pushing it. I'd suggest doing a Google maps route plan and it should come fairly close.

Also, you need to do some research about Canadian border requirements. I don't know if they have any exemptions for US military personnel but for most of us, there are fairly stringent regulations about what personal property can be brought into Canada and what documentation is needed to re-enter the US. I expect the travel office on the base you are now stationed can help with that information.

Also, take some care in packing fragile items. some of the roads, especially in The Yukon, are a little rougher than you'd expect. They're not intolerable - just rough.

Enjoy your Alaskan assignment.

thank you so much, dwooddon! we are now just planning all the stops we would like to make on the way. wish us luck with our two year old :) i really appreciate your advice.

We did it several times, once with an infant, years ago before the AlCan highway was paved. It's a fantastic trip but takes some planning. Get a copy of the Milepost---it is very informative.

Done the drive serval times just remember from Ft. St. John in Northern/Mid BC right after you get on the ALCAN have some gas cans. Not all gas stations are open 24 hours and I don't recall any pay at the pumps from Fort Nelson to Whitehorse. For a list of towns and distance and gas station hours go to http://www.goalcan.com and go over the Cities, Towns, and Less tab on the top menu. It was something I was putting together as a hobby and never finished but that part is useful information. Anyways it's a beautiful drive and don't be suprised to hit some snow at any time of the year. June - August it usually doesn't stick to the Road.